Friday, July 2, 2021

Kailasanathar Temple, Pazhiyanjiya Nallur, Thanjavur

Kailasanathar Temple, Pazhiyanjiya Nallur, Thanjavur

Kailasanathar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Pazhiyanjiya Nallur Village in Thiruvidaimarudur Taluk in Thanjavur District in Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Kailasanathar and Mother is called as Kamakshi. The Temple is believed to be a Mada Kovil in ancient times. The Temple is under the control of Thiruvavaduthurai Aadheenam. The Temple is situated on the southern banks of Nattaru River.

Legends

Pazhiyanjiya Nallur:

As per legend, King Nala of Nishadha kingdom married the beautiful princess of Vidarbha, Damayanti, in a swayamvaram arranged by her father. Lord Shani was desirous of marrying Damayanti and since Nala married her, he became jealous and furious with him. As is the nature of Shani, if Shani enters some one's life, they suffer ill health, misfortunes and downfall in their life. Since Nala was very pious and never wavered from dharma, Shani could not get hold of him to trouble him. After a few years, Nala washed his legs to perform his morning pooja, did not wash his feet properly and left one his heels dirty and dry while cleaning rest of his feet. Shani who was waiting for an opportunity all these years, entered onto him through this dry patch on his heel.

Due to Shani's bad influence, Nala lost his kingdom in gamble and lost all his poverty. He became a pauper and started wandering around the streets with his family. He sent his sons to his uncle’s house and went into a forest with his wife. As Shani's influence was high, he also left his wife in a lurch in the dark forest and went away. Later, when he was searching for his wife, he came here and took bath in Theertham of this temple and worshipped Lord Shiva. Sani also followed him to this place and found him worshipping Lord Shiva. Hence, Sani got fear and kept a distance from Nala at this place. Hence, the place came to be called as Pazhikku Anjiya Nallur and got corrupted to Pazhiyanjiya Nallur. Later, Lord Shiva instructed Nala in a divine voice to visit Thirunallar, worship him and would be relieved from all his sins and dosha.

Lord Vishnu worshipped Lord Shiva here:

It is also said Lord Vishnu worshipped Lord Shiva of this temple.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east. Presiding Deity is called as Kailasanathar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. There is an idol of Chola King holding the sword with his chest can be seen at the entrance of the sanctum. Mother is called as Kamakshi. She is housed in a separate south facing shrine. There are shrines for Vinayaga, Murugan and Maha Lakshmi in the temple premises.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Vaikal, 8 Kms from Thiruneelakkudi, 11 Kms from Aduthurai Railway Station, 14 Kms from Thiruvidaimaruthur, 20 Kms from Kumbakonam Railway Station, 21 Kms from Kumbakonam, 60 Kms from Thanjavur and 116 Kms from Trichy Airport. The Temple is situated on Kumbakonam to Karaikal Route.

Location